Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Edinburgh

A castle on a volcanic rock above a medieval old town.

  • All year
  • 2 nights
Explore on the map
Nearby hidden places
GlasgowUnited Kingdom · CityGlasgow67 kmDunnottar CastleUnited Kingdom · Hidden townDunnottar Castle126 kmGlencoeUnited Kingdom · Nature spotGlencoe143 kmCairngorms (Aviemore)United Kingdom · Nature spotCairngorms (Aviemore)143 kmObanUnited Kingdom · Hidden townOban150 kmLoch Ness (Fort Augustus)United Kingdom · Nature spotLoch Ness (Fort Augustus)161 kmDurhamUnited Kingdom · CityDurham166 kmLake District (Grasmere)United Kingdom · Nature spotLake District (Grasmere)166 km

Things to do

3 days in Edinburgh

Day 1

  1. MorningVisit Edinburgh Castle at opening time; book ahead.
  2. AfternoonWalk the Royal Mile down to Holyrood, then climb Arthur's Seat for the view.
  3. EveningWatch the sunset from Calton Hill, then dinner in the Old Town.

Day 2

Walk along the Water of Leith to the Dean Village and Stockbridge.

Day 3

Visit the National Museum of Scotland and Greyfriars Kirkyard, walk the Grassmarket and Victoria Street, and end with seafood in Leith.

What to eat

Haggis, neeps and tatties, and a dram of whisky.

Local tips

Make the most of Edinburgh

Beat the crowds

The Royal Mile is busy midday. August festival season is packed and expensive.

Best photo spot

Arthur's Seat at sunrise, and Calton Hill for the classic view over the old town.

Getting there

Trams run from the airport. The old town is very walkable.

Don't miss nearby

The fishing village of North Berwick, about 40 minutes away.

Good to know

Book Edinburgh Castle ahead. In August, book accommodation months ahead.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Edinburgh

Our most hidden places around Edinburgh: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Edinburgh to take with you.

49 km away
87 km away
90 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Edinburgh

Getting there

  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI)11 km away
  • Glasgow Airport (GLA)80 km away
  • Glasgow65 km away
  • Durham165 km away

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forOld towns & architecture
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay2 nights
CountryUnited Kingdom

Questions

Edinburgh: good to know

Is Edinburgh worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns. A castle on a volcanic rock above a medieval old town.

How many days do you need in Edinburgh?

Plan 2 nights. Our free 3-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?

You can visit all year. The Royal Mile is busy midday. August festival season is packed and expensive.

How do you get to Edinburgh?

The nearest airport is Edinburgh Airport (EDI), about 11 km away. Trams run from the airport. The old town is very walkable.

What is there to see near Edinburgh?

Nearby hidden places include Glasgow (67 km), Dunnottar Castle (126 km) and Glencoe (143 km).

Day trips from Edinburgh: 6 hidden places nearby
More hidden places in United Kingdom (45)